The board of the bid team decided unanimously to appoint the former AC Milan
player to the role, with Gullit having been heavily involved in the process
already.

While Gullit will spearhead the bid, he has been joined by ambassadors
including Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Clarence Seedorf, Edwin van der Sar,
Dennis Bergkamp, Michel Preud'homme and Eric Gerets.

Harry Been, chief executive of the bid, said: "With his reputation and
enormous international appeal, Ruud Gullit's appointment is of great
significance for our candidacy.

"Ruud has a tremendous football background and knowledge that we believe can
be a great advantage for the bid.

"During the official presentation of the candidacy to the world's press in
Cape Town in December last year, Ruud proved himself a great ambassador.

"He believes in our chances and is fully behind our bid message of 'Together
for Great Goals', which shows how a World Cup in our countries can be of value
to the rest of the world.''